THERE are just two days to go until what could be the biggest pro-independence march ever held in Scotland.
More than 8,000 people have indicated that they will be in Glasgow on Saturday for the latest March for Independence, the seventh in a series of city marches supporting the Yes movement.
The non-party political event aims to attract people of all ages, with families and dogs welcome on the route.
The procession leaves Kelvingrove Park in the west end at 11am and will end at Glasgow Green, where speakers are expected.
Organisers All Under One Banner (AUOB) had faced a bill of around £30,000 to hold the event after council officials ruled they must bring in professional security guards.
A deal was struck with Core Security, but this firm is no longer involved and the event will now go ahead with volunteer stewards following fresh talks with the local authority.
Neil Mackay of AUOB told The National safety would remain a key priority due to heightened terror fears after the Manchester bombing.
However, he said: “We can’t change our way of life – that applies to going to the cinema, going to get the shopping or going on a march.
“We are doing everything we can, working with the council and the police, and we will be very alert.”
All previous AUOB events have taken place without any adverse incidents and Mackay is urging Yes supporters to come out in force ahead of Thursday’s general election.
The date was arranged before Theresa May called the snap ballot and, in a Facebook post referring to the Tories’ pledge to oppose another indyref, the group says participants can “show May and Ruth... they have no right to stop democracy”.
Mackay said: “It’s very important for as many people as possible to show their support for independence. The best way to do that this weekend is to get on this walk – the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
“You don’t need to perform, you don’t need to dress up, you don’t need to jump about, all you have to do is go from A to B.”
The group believes more than 10,000 people will turn out on the day, motivated by a range of factors including opposition to Brexit, the family cap and the so-called rape clause.
Mackay said: “This was never planned to be before a General Election. Now we have a chance to show that we are completely against the policies the Tories want to impact upon us.”
As many as 14,650 have listed themselves as “maybes” on the event’s online page, with more than 43,050 invited.
Those who take part are asked to “bring your flags, banners pipes and drums”.
The procession will move down Sauchiehall Street to George Street, heading to the Green via High Street and Saltmarket.
It is hoped that it will attract a multi-cultural crowd, as with previous events, to reflect the country’s diversity.
Further updates are planned, including the names of speakers.
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